2008 - News in Brief.

Courier credit crunch on tight margin runs. Graeme Leach Chief Economist and Director of Policy at the IoD comments on the credit crunch. ‘After 15 years of economic growth the party is over. Across the whole economy companies are undoubtedly leaner and fitter this time around compared with the last recession. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any significant savings to be made. Budget setting for 2009 is going to be a very tough process in order to squeeze out every possible cost saving’

Birmingham Bike show. An extract from Ian Kerr who reported the Bike show for IOC in Dispatch News. Celebrity round-the-world explorer Charley Boorman kept his profile high by testing out the Batman Batpod which was on display to perhaps give a glimpse of the future! The Hairy Bikers debuted their new custom machines that will feature in their TV series, in fact the place just buzzed with enthusiastic celebrities (if not any politicians) as well as brand new (to the UK) bikes looking to tempt the cash from your pockets.

Steve Norris - London Logistics Development Event- Bang goes the fireworks, 5th November is your diary date for this key transport networking event in London organised by Skills for Logistics & Prevista.. Fellows and members of the IoC with a guest are invited free. IoC Vice President Steve Norris will lead the evenings discusion, speaking on key issues faced by those involved in the moving, handling and storing of goods within London. Steven Norris an eminent speaker for the transport industry and as a past transport minister he is well equiped to offer advice. His speeches always offer an enjoyable and broading approach to the subject.

New Leadership for Reuter Brookes. The long standing individually owned courier company Reuter Brookes of London W1, previously of Jambusters and Gough Wallace; is now in the hands of Mach 1's Jeremy Thompson. Previous owner of Reuter Brookes and DA Chairman John Lister FIoC has taken the opportunity to go onto pastures new retiring from his post along with some of the staff who have taken the opportunity for early retirement. Amalgamation of Mach 1's other courier companies including last years gain of A to Z couriers; has yet to be confirmed as the company contiues to run under the Reuter Brookes name.

2008 House of Lords fellows gowning. The House of Lords was awash with the colour of IOC gowns for a fabulous gala ceremony to recognise individuals respected at the top of their industry. A cd of the event was sent to all Fellows in the days following the gowning.

Two former transport ministers took new IOC roles. Steve Norris and David Jamieson became vice presidents of the IOC, with President Lord Falkland at the head this brings unparalleled recognition for the same day courier industry. Steve Norris (Conservative) and David Jamieson (Labour) took on their roles at the fellows gowning ceremony with gowns finished in fur but not ermine. David Jamieson had detailed thoughts on transport and couriers to share with fellows of the Institute of Couriers in a heart felt delivery speech.

2007 - News in Brief

Fellows get free Highway Code. Sorry no christmas cards! This year for the members of the IoC they recieved a copy of the new updated Highway Code. The code has been reviewed for the first timein eight years, the most important change is the 'Merge' rule. On approach to the new arrow signs a motorist will have to give way in turn to the traffic on their right. This rule is used in other countries on the continent and in the Chanel Islands.

Courier Company's Leading the way. Andrew Bernard FFIoC company CitySprint took part in the London private sector Capital Fleet of the Year Award and scooped top prize. The final element was to participate in a 30 mile trip across London in rush hour passing four check points. The aim to complete the run with the least carbon emissions. CitySprints courier not only did this in the fastest time but completed the the challenge using the least emissions. The courier was on the new Vectrix motorbike which was exhibited at last years National Courier Awards. The judges commented on the innovative way CitySprint had approached its environmental programme.

Creating a new courier service. New diverse initatives are always needed to continue raising levels of courier service. Fellow of the Institute of Couriers Martyn Wilson FFIoC has join Business Direct and taken on the responsibility of ParcelXchange on a global basis. This service is an expansion of the 'parts bank service' many courier company's provide. Business Direct's Chief Executive Paul Carvell FCILT commented that it was the 'intelligent box' system that set ParcelXchange apart. Connected through Business Post servers, fitted with bar code scanners and the engineer uses similar technology to that of ATM machines. Sucessful B2B trials have now lead to pilot trials in B2C areas.

Post Strike. European post in the private sector with yellow, blue & white postboxes on the streets and vans logoed with FedEx, Chrono and Cronos, DeutschPost cash machines at the post office buildings leave UK in a different world. As the post strike grips Christmas comes early for same day deliveries. Urgent bikes are booming in London, Manchester and Leeds, Vans are staked full and packages are being loaded high in vans for tomorrow.

Top Brass on the move . With summer sunshine arriving a moment to take stock of top brass finds various fellows of the Institute of Couriers on the Move this year. Trevor Hoyle moves from FedEx to head up ANC. Martyn Wilson and John Miller move from UK Today to Business Direct. David Williamson moves from TNT to UK Today and Amtrak spearhead a management buyout Leaving Jonathon Smith moving to new ventures.

Bike event of the decade disc to IOC fellows . 130 mph laps of the Isle of Man for the 100th aniversary of the TT races found the seventy thousand island inhabitants double for a two week gala of road racing with back to back parties from the George Formby Shutelworth Snap and clasic runs throught to Honda Day in Peel and Ramsey being re-named Yamsey to celebrate an enourmous Yamaha party. Fellows and members of the Institute of couriers all bagged a free photo diary disc of the event and route maps of the thirty six mile circuit.

2006 - News in Brief

Fellows new at the House of Lords . Founding Fellows of the IOC stood proud to form a welcome line to new fellows of the Institute of Couriers House of Lords reception in February 2007. President the Viscount Falkland spoke of proffesionalism and success before naming the new fellows for the year. Quentin Abel Chairman of APC, John Miller Ops Director of UK Today, Trevor Hoyle MD FedEx, Sue Teece Director of DHL Sameday and Alistair Cochrane TNT.

Bike Show in Birmingham IOC members and fellows got a photo cd of the Bike Show in Birmingham hot of the press. David Jamieson alongside Minister Dr Stephen Ladyman opened the show on Tuesday 26th October. Dispatch News for the event reported a fine front page photo of Tracey Worth with World Superbike star James Toseland. New for this year was a larger race padock supported by Arai and home to BSB teams including Hawk Kawasaki. Carl Lomas toured the show with Trevor Magnor BMF to find best courier bargains.

Training in Transport London Opens its doors. Whilst Camelot Courier Training stalled with an end to its starts last September the new venture will reprersent activities from two wheels to four, Wallace School of Trucks, Taxi Trade and Camelot have all had input to launch the new one stop shop. Check out the details at www.trainingintransport.com

Carl Lomas gives Courier Training to  public domain. Carl Lomas speakingat the 2006 National Courier Awards anounced - 'The work I have so closely been involved in delivering training in courier skills has sadly come to an end.Changes in work based learning refocuses delivery of learning for the unemployed. This is not a message of sadness, over the last decade you have employ more than seventy percent of the candidates trained in courier skills. Whilst Camelot Courier Training stalls and takes a different direction the success will continue.I am about to place all the learning materials, the NVQ tutorials, lesson plans and delivery work into the public domain on the IOC web sites.

National Courier Awards Tuesday 20th June 2006. The 2006 event was a tremendous event celebrating the very best of the same day courier industry in the prescence of the Transport Minister Dr Stephen Ladyman. On the evening of Tuesday June 20th. Teams from British Superbike and National superstock brought top level two wheelers into the City of London.

LORD MAYOR David Brewer meets courier top brass at Mansion House. Couriers - Life Blood to City Business. Lord Mayor of London David Brewer has a keen interest in City of London Transport Issues. Founding Fellows in the frame for a frank and detailed discussion included , Andrew Bernard - CitySprint, Marc Chauveau - MPC, BOb Black - TNT, Tracey Worth and Carl Lomas.

Institute of Couriers - Founding Fellows gowned at the House of Lords. Viscount Falkland, president of the IOC gowned the founding fellows of the IOC at a ceremony in the House of Lords on the evening of 2nd February, two ex-transport ministers in attendance, Steve Norris and new MCIA boss David Jamieson. Top Brass from the RHA, BMF, MAG, AIRSO and many other key organisations were in attendance with almost two hundred guests. It was a landmark event to launch the founding fellows.More info on www.ioc.uk.com

2005 - News in Brief

Institute of Couriers event - First day cover of Royal Mail’s Motorcycle Stamp collection - Tuesday 19 th July, at the Arts Club, Mayfair, London W1S - Under the watchful eye of some of the industry’s finest, the Master of the Worshipful Company of Carmen unveiled Royal Mail’s Motorcycle stamp collection to signify the opening of the Institute of Couriers’ first event. Featuring classic bikes such as a Norton, Triumph and BSA, the fine stamps are gloriously illustrated in detail. The Master then gave a short and generous speech, declaring his support for the Institute in its aim to recognise the skills and standards of the individual’s in the courier industry.

Founding Fellows of the Institute attend annual Cartmarking event - The Corporation of the City of London has exercised its rights over carts and carriers since its inception, for transport is the lifeblood of commerce. Once a year, usually in later summer, Carmen bring their vehicles to be branded, or marked with a red hot iron on a wooden plate. This year, John Scott, Founding Fellow of the Institute of Couriers, entered a battery hire car to be marked in the ceremony. Also attending was the Institutes Chairman, Carl Lomas, and many others representing the courier industry.

Institute of Couriers joins BMF as a Gold Corporate Member - Members of the Institute of Couriers will now benefit from the Institute being a corporate member of the BMF. As well as political representation and lobbying on all motorcycle issues, the Institute will be able to provide VIP tickets to lucky competition winners to BMF events around the country, and build a stronger future for the Courier industry.

Master of the Worshipful company of Carmen to attend first IOC event - The Master of the Worshipful Company of Carmen has announced his intention to attend the first IOC event, held on 19th July in the West End of London. This first afternoon event is to commemorate the release of Royal Mail's Motorcycle stamp collection, and will serve as an introduction to the Institute and the Founding Fellows. For more information on this event, please see the members section.

IOC begins development of assessment and certification scheme- The Institute of Couriers is building the foundations of an exciting new scheme to offer different levels of courses, assessments and certificates to individuals in the Courier Industry to allow entry to the Institute. These courses will be offered in conjunction with Skills for Logistics in London or via a distance learning e-package to suit your needs. Courses will be designed for individuals, with the option of custom built packages for corporate members.

Become a member of the IOC at the 2005 National Courier Awards - we are excited to announce that the IOC will accepting its first members at this years National Courier Awards. Membership will provide you with recognition for your industry qualifications, skills and experience, and will allow you to keep ahead of the competition with up-to-date industry insight and news.

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